How to Move Money from Cash App to PayPal: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re holding funds in your Cash App account and want to transfer them to PayPal, you’re not alone. While both platforms are popular for digital transactions, they operate differently, and there’s no direct link between them. However, with a little effort and the right method, you can move your money from Cash App to PayPal smoothly.

Here’s a practical guide tailored for users who want to make this transfer using reliable steps.

Using a Bank Account as a Middleman

The simplest and most effective method is to use a linked bank account as an intermediary. This method involves withdrawing funds from Cash App to your bank and then adding those funds to PayPal.

Step 1: Move Funds from Cash App to Your Bank

1. Open the Cash App on your phone.

2. Tap on the Money tab.

3. Choose Withdraw.

4. Select the amount you want to transfer to your bank.

5. Pick a withdrawal speed – Standard is free but takes 1–3 days, while Instant costs a small fee and transfers immediately if your bank card is linked.

Step 2: Add Funds to PayPal from Your Bank

1. Once the money has reached your bank, open the PayPal app.

2. Tap on PayPal Balance.

3. Choose Add Money.

4. Select Bank or Debit Card.

5. Choose your bank, enter the amount, and confirm with Add Now.

While this method takes a bit of time, it’s the most reliable option currently available for transferring money between these two services.

Can You Link Cash App and PayPal Directly?

We tested several alternatives to make this process easier, such as linking the PayPal Debit Card in Cash App and using the Cash App Cash Card to add funds to PayPal. Unfortunately, these methods didn’t work for direct transfers.

However, there are still some workarounds that let you use your Cash App card with PayPal, even if it’s not for transferring money.

Using the Cash App Cash Card for PayPal Payments

Although PayPal doesn’t allow users to add funds using the Cash Card, you can add the Cash Card as a payment method on PayPal. This allows you to pay for purchases using your Cash App balance via the card.

How to Add the Cash Card to PayPal:

1. Open the PayPal app.

2. Tap the three-line menu in the top-left corner.

3. Under Manage Finances, choose Add Banks and Cards.

4. Select Debit and Credit Cards.

5. Either scan your card or manually enter the details.

6. Tap Link Card to finish.

You might be asked to verify your identity – simply follow the prompts to complete the process.

If you don’t have a Cash Card yet, you can order one in the Cash App by going to Cash Card > Get Your Free Card and completing the steps.

Directly Linking Your Cash App Bank Account to PayPal

There’s a lesser-known method that also works: using the Cash App bank account details to link directly to PayPal. While Cash App isn’t a traditional bank, it partners with financial institutions to provide users with bank routing and account numbers.

You can add this bank account to PayPal and send money to your PayPal balance directly.

How It Works:

1. Open PayPal and go to Add Bank Account.

2. Enter the routing and account numbers provided in your Cash App under Banking > Direct Deposit.

3. PayPal will send small deposits to confirm the account – this process may take a couple of days.

4. Once verified, you can use this account to add funds to PayPal.

While the process may take a few days to set up and transfer, it removes the need for a separate bank account and avoids extra steps.

Final Thoughts

At the moment, there’s no quick and direct method to move money from Cash App to PayPal. However, using a shared bank account as a bridge, or linking your Cash App account directly to PayPal, are both reliable options.

If you’re planning to make these transfers regularly, setting up a bank link to both services will save you time in the future. And even if direct transfers aren’t supported, using the Cash Card as a payment method on PayPal adds flexibility to your digital spending.